News on New Domain Extensions

12 November 2014

1&1 Launches Two Important TLDs Today: .GIFTS and .RESTAURANT

With the holiday season fast-approaching, the new .GIFTS top-level domain (TLD) is a great option for any business looking to capitalize on the busiest shopping season of the year. Business websites can now utilize a .GIFTS extension on their website to create a specific and memorable domain name for customers to shop from.

Additionally, the long-awaited .RESTAURANT TLD is available today. Any restaurant – from small-town diner to a large chain – can benefit from this brand new website extension. Shorter, or very common restaurant names are most likely not available in the traditional .com namespace, but now business’s have the opportunity for a unique, industry-relevant domain name.

03 Sept 2014

.CREDIT and .AUDIO Are Among Six New Top-level Domains Now Available for Registration

This week, six new top-level domains (TLDs) became available for immediate registration. A few of the new additions this week can go along with the finance-related TLDs launched two weeks ago, to become part of a larger domain portfolio. The six new TLDs available starting today are: .AUDIO, .CLAIMS, .CREDIT, .CREDITCARD, .GRATIS, and .HIPHOP.

25 June 2014

New Industry-Specific TLDs Available, Including .PARTS and .TOOLS

1&1 Internet is happy to announce the launch of six new top-level domains (TLDs) this week, including those that would be great options for businesses in the machining and manufacturing industries. With the addition of these new TLDs, companies can secure new Web addresses or expand on an existing domain portfolio to achieve optimum brand awareness. The newest six TLDs available for registration are: .INK, .INDUSTRIES, .PARTS, .SUPPLIES, .SUPPLY, .TOOLS.

After successfully passing the 100 mark last week, 1&1 is excited to make this next group of new domains available for official registration. These new domain options allow business owners to increase their online brand awareness like never before – by registering web addresses with relevant and informative domain endings. Today, the following four new TLDs are available for immediate registration: .COMMUNITY, .CLEANING, .CATERING, .CARDS.

11 June 2014

Over 100 New Domain Extensions Are Now Available from 1&1!

This week 1&1 Internet has crossed the threshold for 100 new top-level domains (TLDs)! Since February, more and more new TLDs have been released weekly for immediate registration, allowing businesses and users to register unique and relevant website addresses that had been previously impossible in the traditional domain namespace. This week, the following seven new TLDs became available for immediate registration: .BID, .TRADE, .WEBCAM, .DATING, .PARTNERS, .PRODUCTIONS, .EVENTS.

4 June 2014

1&1 Expands its Domain Offering with 8 New TLDs, Including, .SOCIAL

Eight new top-level domains (TLDs) join more than 90 others immediately available for registration from 1&1’s Domain Showroom. Businesses across several industries can benefit from new domain possibilities for their company website, allowing for branding opportunities that had not been available in the traditional Internet namespace. .CONDOS, .FUTBOL, .JETZT, .MAISON, .PROPERTIES, .REVIEWS, .SOCIAL, .TIENDA.

28 May 2014

Introducing 1&1’s New Domain Showroom and Seven New TLDs!

Just in time for the launch of seven new top-level domains (TLDs), 1&1 has launched a new Domain Showroom (http://www.1and1.com/domain-names) to make it easier for users to browse and select the most optimal domain name. This week, businesses operating in the travel and tourism industries have a number of new domain possibilities to choose from, with five of the new TLDs being relevant for travel agencies or other vacation-related businesses: .CRUISES, .FLIGHTS, .IMMOBILIEN, .NINJA, .RENTALS, .VACATIONS, .VILLAS, .WIKI.

21 May 2014

1&1 Now Offers Over 80 New Domain Extensions, Including .LUXURY

Five new top-level domains (TLDs) were launched this week, bringing the total number of new TLDs available for immediate registration to 81! Starting today, users can immediately register the following domain extensions: .DANCE, .DEMOCRAT, .EXPOSED, .FOUNDATION, .LUXURY.

14 May 2014

Demonstrate Your Online Expertise with a New .EXPERT Domain Name

Demonstrate your online expertise with three new domain extensions! This week, 1&1 launched three new top-level domains (TLDs) to help website owners strategically position their online brand. Starting today, users can immediately register the following domain extensions: .EXPERT allows for businesses and individuals alike to use their websites as a tool to position expertise in a specific subject and start to build instant credibility. .WORKS provides the opportunity to secure a short, memorable domain name under a new, unique TLD for those with collections of products, services, or other works. .ONL allows users to showcase their “online” presence, whether for a business or personal website.

07 May 2014

Join the .CLUB! Three Popular New gTLDS Launched by 1&1

With over 70 new top-level domains (TLDs) available already, today 1&1 Internet has launched three more popular domain extensions to its customers. For the first time, users can immediately register: .CLUB, .COOL, .WATCH. The .CLUB TLD is one of the most popular new TLDs based on 1&1’s pre-registration process, as many customers are eager to establish their website under this exciting new domain. This is a great opportunity for those that operate a night club, manage a sports club or even organize book clubs, for example.

30 April 2014

Build upon Your Online Brand with Six New gTLDs, including .BUILD and .AGENCY!

Continuing its pattern of weekly domain launches, 1&1 Internet now offers six new generic top-level domains (gTLDs)! This week, users can immediately register the following domain extensions for their website: .AGENCY, .BARGAINS, .BOUTIQUE, .BUILD, .CHEAP, .ZONE. Industry specific domain extensions allow businesses and organizations to be more strategic and relevant with their website URL.

23 April 2014

Three New gTLDs Available for Registration, Including .FARM

1&1 Internet has launched three new generic top-level domains (gTLDs)! This week, users can immediately register the following domain extensions for their website: .CODES, .FARM, .VIAJES. Businesses and organizations now have even more opportunities to secure a unique and memorable website address with these new gTLDs.

17 April 2014

Happy .HOLIDAY! More New gTLDs are Now Available for Registration.

1&1 continues to offer brand new domain extensions for immediate registration every week. Starting today, users can register the following new generic top-level domains (gTLDs): .HOLIDAY, .BUZZ, .MARKETING. With more than 60 new gTLDs currently available, businesses have a vast array of opportunities to differentiate themselves from competitors and build an impressive online brand. To register your new domain name, visit http://www.1and1.com/new-top-level-domains.

09 April 2014

.COFFEE and More New Top-Level Domains Available for Immediate Registration Starting Today

Every week, 1&1 Internet releases more new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) for immediate registration. Starting today, users can register the following new gTLDs: .COFFEE, .FLORIST, .HOUSE, .INTERNATIONAL, .SOLAR. Business owners have more opportunities than ever to secure a memorable and relevant domain name for their industry. These five new gTLDs join the list of more than 50 domain extensions recently made available.

02 April 2014

Over 50 New Domain Extensions are Available for Registration, including .CAMP

There are now over 50 new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) available from 1&1 Internet. Today, the following five domains have become available for immediate registration: .CAMP, .EDUCATION, .GLASS, .INSTITUTE, .REPAIR. The .EDUCATION and .INSTITUTE domains in particular provide a great outlet for educational facilities to capitalize on a new, memorable domain name.

26 March 2014

The New .EMAIL TLD is Now Available for Registration

Adding to the dozens of new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) already available from 1&1 Internet, .EMAIL has now become available for immediate registration, along with: .BUILDERS, .SOLUTIONS, .SUPPORT, .TRAINING. The .EMAIL domain allows for individuals and businesses alike to take advantage of a unique outlet for communication on the Internet.

12 March 2014

.CAB, .LIMO, and .DOMAINS are Now Available for Registration from 1&1

The newest generic top-level domains just launched today. A total of 32 new gTLDs are now available from 1&1, with more launching every week. Visit the 1&1 domain portal (http://www.1and1.com/new-top-level-domains) to register: .CAB, .LIMO, .DOMAINS.

5 March 2014

More Top-Level Domains are Available Today for Registration

Four more new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are available for immediate, registration through 1&1! Visit http://www.1and1.com/new-top-level-domains to register: .SHOES, .PHOTOS, .CAREERS, .RECIPES. These and many other new gTLDs are available for businesses to take advantage of new and unique Web addresses to build on their online brand and Internet presence.

26 February 2014

A Total of 25 New Domain Extensions are Now Available for Registration, Including Today’s Launch of .VOYAGE

A total of 25 new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are available for immediate, full registration through 1&1. New domains launched today include: .VOYAGE, .TIPS, .ENTERPRISES, and .DIAMONDS. With these four joining the many other new gTLDs, businesses in several different industries can take advantage of new and unique Web addresses to build on their online brand and Internet presence.

19 February 2014

.TECHNOLOGY and .CONSTRUCTION among the Next New gTLDs Available for Registration

The next new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are NOW available for immediate full registration through 1&1! For the first time, it’s possible to register: .LAND, .CONTRACTORS, .TECHNOLOGY, .KITCHEN, .TODAY, .CONSTRUCTION, .DIRECTORY. Businesses and website owners, particularly in the technology and construction industries, can take advantage of these unique new Web addresses to improve and protect their online branding.

12 February 2014

New domain extensions including .CAMERA and .PHOTOGRAPHY are now available

More of the new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are NOW available for immediate full registration through 1&1! For the first time, it’s possible to register: .CAMERA, .PHOTOGRAPHY, .LIGHTING, .GRAPHICS, .GALLERY, .EQUIPMENT, .ESTATE, Businesses and website owners can take advantage of these unique new Web addresses to improve and protect their online branding.

7 February 2014

alma.bike: First New gTLD Registered Worldwide by 1&1

Now that the first new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are officially available, many users in the business and technology industries have been taking advantage of these new opportunities by registering a unique Web address. Of all the new gTLDs that were registered with 1&1 Internet this week, the digital agency WEGETIT was the very first. The exact domain name, alma.bike was the very first new gTLD registered worldwide by 1&1. WEGETIT (www.wegetit.eu) specializes in designing services and digital strategy. One of the agency's most important clients is ORBEA, a leading bicycle brand in Spain (www.orbea.com). The agency WEGETIT has successfully obtained the alma.bike domain name for ORBEA, named after a type of model sold by the bicycle brand. The goal in obtaining one of these new domains is to improve the visibility and reputation of the ORBEA brand. According to Iñaki Mujika, CEO of WEGETIT, “We believe that the use of these domains will be strategic for growth and the positioning of brands and products.”

5 February 2014

1&1 delivers first new domain extensions including .BIKE

Today, 1&1 Internet delivers some of the very first new gTLDs to the mass market. The following new gTLDs are available from now for immediate full registration through 1&1: .BIKE, .SINGLES, .HOLDINGS, .CLOTHING, .VENTURES, .PLUMBING, .GURU. These seven options are only the first of hundreds of new domains to become available in the coming weeks and months. Customers that have pre-registered these domains with 1&1 before today will be given registration priority as the new gTLDs go live. In the coming hours and days, we will be sharing some of our customers’ first thoughts, experiences and comments on their brand new domains. It’s an exciting time for website owners!

28 January 2014

Five New gTLDS Available to Pre-Register with 1&1

This week, five more new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) are available for pre-registration through 1&1 Internet, in preparation for their official registry launch in 2014. The following new gTLDs now available on a first-come, first-served basis are: .TRAINING, .SOLUTIONS, .SUPPORT, .CAMP, and .BUILDERS.

17 January 2014

Four Additional New gTLDS Now Available to Pre-Register

This week, an additional 4 new generic top-level domains are available for pre-registration through 1&1 Internet, in preparation for their official registry launch in 2014. The following new gTLDs now available on a first-come, first-served basis are: .DOMAINS, .COMPANY, .CAB, and .LIMO.

2 January 2014

ICANN Spends $120 Million on New gTLDs So Far

According to a recent quarterly statement from the Internet Association for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the organization has spent $119.2 million on the new gTLD program in 2013. An estimated total of $344.9 million is expected to be spent over the course of the program, but this does not include the additional likely income to be earned from domain auctions.

24 December 2013

Four More New gTLDS now Available for Pre-Registration

Four new top-level domains are available for pre-registrations this week on a first-come, first-served basis: .CAREERS, .PHOTOS, .RECIPES, and .SHOES. Pre-registrations with 1&1 are exclusive, meaning no other 1&1 customer can pre-register a selected domain option. The allocation of pre-registered domains is carried out by the domain registry on its specific launch date. Check out our domain portal for free advice and a list of all other available pre-registrations – http://www.1and1.com/new-top-level-domains.

9 December 2013

Another 7 gTLDs Are Now Available for Pre-registration

This week, an additional 7 new generic top-level domains are available for pre-registration through 1&1 Internet, in preparation for their official registry launch in 2014. The following new gTLDs now available on a first-come, first-served basis are: LAND, CONTRACTORS, TECHNOLOGY, KITCHEN, TODAY, CONSTRUCTION, AND DIRECTORY.

2 December 2013

1&1 Offers Preregistrations for 7 new gTLDs

1&1 Internet this week confirmed a number of new domain name options now available for pre-registration, in readiness for their official registry launch in 2014. By making a binding pre-registration order with 1&1, businesses will be well positioned to secure their domains as soon as they hit the open market. The following new gTLDs are now available for pre-registration with 1&1 on a first-come, first-served basis: ESTATE, LIGHTING, EQUIPMENT, CAMERA, PHOTOGRAPHY, LUXURY, BIKE, CLOTHING, VENTURES, MENU, ACCOUNTANT and BUILD. Pre-registrations with 1&1 are exclusive, meaning no other 1&1 customer can pre-register a selected domain option. The allocation of pre-registered domains is carried out by the domain registry on its specific launch date.

21 November 2013

16 New gTLDs Available for Pre-Registration

In addition to the first pre-registrations for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs) announced two weeks ago, 1&1 now offers an additional 16 domain names to choose from. The new gTLDs available to pre-register today are: UNO, MENU, BUILD, LUXURY, BID, ACCOUNTANT, DATE, DOWNLOAD FAITH, LOAN, MEN, REVIEW, SCIENCE, TRADE, WEBCAM, WIN. To pre-register for any of these domains, visit 1&1’s domain portal.

15 November 2013

More than 100 New gTLD Contracts Now Signed with ICANN

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently signed contracts with registries covering 34 new gTLDs, including: .EDUCATION, .BUILD, .CAMP, .SYSTEMS, .WIKI, .NINJA, and many more. This is the largest bulk of contracts signed by ICANN at once, which brings the total to 115 new gTLDs currently with ICANN contracts. The organization plans to add as many as 40-per-week moving forward.

14 November 2013

ICANN Signs Registry Agreement with .CLUB

This week, .CLUB Domains, LLC announced it has signed its Registry Agreement with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The new gTLD is available for pre-reservation with registrars such as 1&1 Internet. The domain, which is currently among the top 30 pre-reserved names on 1and1.com, is expected to sell names such as poker.club, chess.club, etc. Also, .CLUB will allow clubs, membership organizations, and others sharing a common interest to establish an easy and memorable Web address.

8 November 2013

Pre-Registrations for New gTLDs Now Available through 1&1

Today marks the next step forward for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). The first released new gTLDs are now officially available for pre-registration, in preparation for their official launch in January 2014. The new gTLDs that businesses can begin to pre-register are: .GURU .PLUMBING .VENTURES .BIKE .SINGLES .HOLDINGS .CLOTHING.By pre-registering one of these domains with 1&1, businesses will be in a great position to secure their preferred domain as soon as it hits the open market.

22 October 2013

First new gTLDs get green light for delegation

The first four of the new top-level domains have been cleared for delegation. With that, the roll-out of new domain endings has begun. All of the new endings are Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), meaning they consist of non-Latin characters. The new top-level domains are 游戏 (“game“ in Chinese), сайт (“website“ in Russian), онлайн (Russian for “online“) and شبكة , which means “web” or “network” in Arabic.

16 October 2013

ICANN Publishes Updated List of Reserved Domain-Names

ICANN recently published an updated list of terms that cannot be registered under one of the new top level domains. With this list, ICANN follows the demands of different international organizations. The list consists of 629 terms, which originate from the fields around the Red Cross, the International Olympic Committee, and other international organizations. The terms listed, including words like olympia and unicef, may not be registered with the new top level domains, as they are protected by international agreements.

14 October 2013

Protect Your Trademark During the Top-Level Domain Expansion

As the result of meetings between ICANN, IP experts, and community members, three Rights Protection Mechanisms have been identified as the best ways to protect trademarks in the New gTLD Program. These Mechanisms include both proactive and reactive measures to help ensure the security of businesses and individuals online. The first Mechanism is to submit your mark to the Trademark Clearinghouse. The second Mechanism is to file a claim with the Uniform Rapid Suspension System. Finally, the third Mechanism is to initiate the Trademark Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure.

10 October 2013

Google and Amazon Alter Plans for Closed Top-Level Domain Names

For many new top-level domains (TLDs), Google and Amazon had originally planned not to offer certain registrations to the public, and to keep them within the company. Google has already had a change like this back in May for the .app domain name – changing it from a closed domain to an open one. Now, Google plans to also change .blog to an open domain. Amazon, on the other hand, has changed plans for 25 new TLDs and plans to offer .cloud, .game, .app, .search, and many more to the public.

08 October 2013

ICANN’s Contracting Statistics: More than Half of the New Top Level Domains go to Donuts

The news service domainnamewire.com reports that more than half of the already signed registry agreements between the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and new registries have been signed with Donuts Inc.. In total, 56 registry agreements have been signed in the course of ICANN’s new generic top level domains program; 32 of these with Donuts Inc.. Domainnamewire.com has evaluated both ICANN’s weekly contracting statistics and the registry agreements overview .

Oct 1, 2013

New ICANN Statistic: 48 Registry Agreements

By the end of the “New Generic Top-Level Domain” program by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), there will be about 700 new domain endings available. For 48, contracts between ICANN and the registries have already been signed. So far, ICANN has invited 507 applicants for new domain endings to the contracting process. Current numbers from ICANN are also available here.

Sept 30, 2013

ICANN Publishes Final Rights Protection Mechanism Requirements

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has published the final requirements for the protection of trademarks and other rights. The new rules apply to all agreements between ICANN and the new registries. Among other things, they specify the implementation of the “sunrise period”, during which trademark owners will have preferred rights to register new domains.

30 September 2013

Research from Sedo Says 59% of Users Would Use a TLD other than .com

Over 360 advertising and marketing professionals were surveyed last month on the topic of new gTLDs. 59 percent of respondents claimed they would consider using a domain that ended in something other than a .com TLD. This coincides with the 35 percent who believe that the main benefit of new gTLDs is the increased advantage for securing a more memorable Web address. Results of the survey also find that respondents have often had to select domain names in the past based on availability instead of preference – something that could change with the release of new gTLDs.

28 September 2013

Samsung Signs First Dot-Brand gTLD Contract

Samsung has become officially contracted with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to run .삼성, the company’s name in Korean. The company applied for this new TLD for the purpose of protecting their own online brand. Time will tell if this will be the first dot-brand to actually go live online, as it is too soon to know for certain. ICANN has only signed 48 total contracts since July.

18 September 2013

Google Signs its First New gTLD Contract

A registry agreement has been signed between Google and The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for the new generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) .みんな. The name translates to “everyone” in Japanese, and Google plans to make the new gTLD available for anyone to register a name. This is the 34th new gTLD contract that ICANN has signed. However, this is the first agreement for Google, which still has 96 new gTLD applications remaining. One of their applications, for the .search TLD, is still under the Initial Evaluation process with ICANN.

9 September 2013

1&1 Starts TV Spot for New Top-Level Domains

New Generic Top-Level Domains

As one of the first providers, 1&1 started a TV campaign to showcase the upcoming new top-level domains. The commercial aired internationally this weekend with a focus in the US, UK, Germany, Spain, France, Poland, and Italy. It is also available to watch on YouTube. 1&1’s goal is to raise awareness for the new top-level domains, especially with small-and medium-sized businesses and IT-professionals. Several resources about the new top-level domains are provided by 1&1 via a special portal. Companies and customers can also pre-reserve the new top-level domains for free, without obligation.

3 September 2013

1&1 Now Registrar for New Top-Level-Domains

1&1 Internet has signed ICANN’s Registrar Accreditation Agreement. The organization is responsible for the global Internet address allocation of new Top Level Domains. As a result, 1&1 will be able to offer more than 700 new endings as Internet addresses in the future.

16 August 2013

ICANN publishes weekly contracting statistics

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers

ICANN is beginning to share additional insights on the “New Generic Top-Level Domains” program’s progress with the public. They have started publishing weekly statistics regarding the programs contracting process such as how many applicants have been invited to contracting each week, how many have responded to the invite and how many registry agreements have been signed. The data is accessible on ICANN’s program website .

14 August 2013

Scripps Networks loses second new top level domain objection

Scripps Networks, the lifestyle-media company, has lost its second objection for a top level domain name application with .diy. The company based their objection on the basis of owning the home improvement media company DIY Network. A WIPO panel rejected both Scripps and its competitor Google’s applications for the domain name based on the fact that DIY is a common and generic term for “do-it-yourself.” Scripps and Google will now have to fight for .diy through an auction. Scripps previously lost a legal rights objection for .food.

8 August 2013

Artemis Internet filing Trademark application for “SAFETLD”

Artemis Internet, part of NCC Group, filed an application for the trademark “SAFETLD” with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark includes security services in the field of cloud computing and computer consultation in the field of internet security and cloud computing. The California based company is one of two applicants for the .secure TLD, in competition with Amazon. The internet giant Amazon also applied for the TLD .safe, but Artemis did not.

13 August 2013

Registry for .xyz Opens Up Preregistrations

.xyz is one of the first new gTLDs

The registry for .xyz, a new generic top-level domain (gTLD), opened up preregistrations yesterday. Preregistrations for new gTLDs have been available through registrars such as 1&1 Internet, but this is the first instance of the actual registry (XYZ) starting to accept preregistrations. According to the registry, .xyz will be an attractive new gTLD due to its simplicity, since it will be able to offer domain names for any industry or organization, with more names available than in the limited .com namespace.

13 August 2013

ICDR Denies First 12 String Confusion Objections

nTLD Confusion Objections

The first 12 new top-level domain (nTLD) string confusion objections have been denied by the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR). In the case of string confusion objections, the disputer argues that a new TLD should not be introduced because its similarity to an existing TLD or to an applied-for TLD string could cause user confusion. For example, since Google applied for the new .car gTLD, one of the denied objections included Google vs. Donuts regarding the .cars gTLD. Find a full list of the 12 denied objections at http://domainnamewire.com/2013/08/13/first-12-new-tld-string-confusion-objections-denied/.

12 August 2013

Del Monte Corporation Wins gTLD Trademark Fight

Del Monte wins trademark fight

Del Monte Corporation of California (DMC) challenged Del Monte International of Monaco’s (DMI) application to register the new gTLD .delmonte. DMC asserted their right to .delmonte under its trademark for fresh and canned food. Trademark owners have the ability to prevent their names from being adopted as a gTLD for rival companies in order to avoid confusion about organization ownership. A panel from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Arbitration and Mediation Center upheld the objection because DMC has been trademarked for over a century.

5 August 2013

ICANN Begins Extended Evaluation Process

nTLD Extended Evaluation

ICANN has begun the Extended Evaluation process for new generic top-level domains (gTLDs). During Extended Evaluation, specific applicants will have the chance to address any outstanding deficiencies on their application beyond the Initial Evaluation process. In Extended Evaluation, the same firms that performed previous evaluations will return and use the same criteria. The Extended Evaluation process is more interactive, and allows for more communication between the applicant and ICANN regarding and potential issues.

1 August 2013

Trademark Owners‘ Legal Rights Objections Against New gTLDs Without Effect

69 legal rights objections have been filed by trademark owners against certain new gTLDs because they saw them endangering their trademark. According to the British law firm Baron Warren Redfern, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has now ruled in 12 of those cases. In all 12 cases, WIPO has ruled in favor of the new gTLD applicants and against the trademark owners. Most of the trademarks in question were either “weak” (referring to words which were rather generic) or the gTLDs were slightly different from the trademarked words.

25 July 2013

.amazon Likely to be Rejected after South American Objections

Internet marketplace Amazon’s application for .amazon as a new top-level domain is likely to be rejected by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN’s Governmental Advisory Committee recommended rejecting the application after complaints from Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. In a letter to ICANN, they argued that .amazon “is a geographic name that represents important territories of some of our countries.” While the committee’s recommendation is not binding, chances of ICANN deciding in favor of Amazon are slim.

15 July 2013

ICANN Signs the First Registry-Agreements for New Top-Level Domains

ICANN signed the first four registry-agreements for new Top-Level Domains after a meeting in Durban, South Africa. The respective TLDs are the Arabic word for “web” or “network,” the Russian words for “online” and “website,” and the Chinese word for “game.” With these internationalized Top-Level Domains, it will be possible to register complete domains in Arabic, Russian, and Chinese language script. Registries will now have to work on establishing the infrastructure needed to begin the registration. It is likely that domain registration will not start until the end of the year.

12 July 2013

New Rules to Avoid Anonymous Domains

It will soon be required to verify the accuracy of all contact information provided when a new domain is being registered. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently announced this measure to help prevent anonymous domain registrations. ICANN approved a new Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) stating that domain name registrars will be held accountable for Whois data and the verification of said data. The data sets must include a phone number, email address, and other personal information. Critics say the new rules can easily be circumvented by using a pay-as-you-go phone and an anonymous email address.

9 July 2013

First Three New gTLD Legal Rights Objections Thrown Out

The first three legal rights objections to new gTLD applications have been thrown out by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). In short, the objections were from companies stating that ICANN's approval of specific new gTLDs would infringe on their existing trademark rights. The first three panel decisions covered applications for the extensions .home, .vip, and .rightathome. The objection to .home was overruled because it was determined that the objector (Defender Security Company) had not made legitimate attempts to register a trademark for .home. The objections to .vip and .rightathome have also been thrown out. The decisions indicate that the prosecution history and maintenance of a trademark will have broader implications than just the registration of that particular mark.

20 June 2013

ICANN approves New Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA)

ICANN has recently approved its new Registrar Accreditation Agreement (RAA) which provides new rules for registrars who want to sell the new generic Top Level Domains. The new RAA may also be relevant for .org, .info, and .biz domains in the future. Among other changes, the new regulations state that the registrars must verify the e-mail addresses that are submitted for Whois information. Additionally, proxy- and privacy-services as well as resellers will be supervised more closely.

15 June 2013

nTLDs with internationally diverse characters

The restriction of using only Latin characters for domain endings will be removed with the introduction of new top level domains (nTLDs). In addition to Latin script, languages using internationally diverse characters (such as Chinese, Arabic, or Hindi) can be used to create nTLDs. By introducing non-Latin characters for nTLDs, inconveniences like having to switch keyboard layouts in order to access certain domains are no longer necessary. Additionally, corporate entities have already applied for existing TLDs written in different characters, e.g. a Cyrillic version of the .com domain. nTLDs in non-Latin characters are also expected to be relevant for search engine rankings.

13 June 2013

Internet users are open-minded about new top level domains

According to a recent survey of the consultancy FairWinds, many internet users are open-minded about new top level domains. The majority of 1,000 internet users polled in the US said they did not care whether a web address had an ending such as .com or a new top level domain name. Many participants of the poll expressed particular interest in so-called brand domains, where the address ending is equal to a brand name such as .google.

11 June 2013

London & Partners gains approval from ICANN to run .london domain

London & Partners, the official promotion organisation for the city of London, has had their application for the .london domain name approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). Multiple organisations such as London First, the Federation of Small Businesses, Transport for London, and London boroughs have expressed interest in the launch. Profits from the sale of the domain name will be invested into the city. London & Partners said the domain would also be used to improve the city’s online identity. The new domain name is expected to roll out in early 2014. Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, said “This is an important first step and we will now be developing detailed plans to ensure we maximise the opportunities this project presents”.

13 June 2012

List of applications for new Top Level Domains has been published

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has received 1,930 applications for the new top level domains to be launched in the course of the next few years. The list of applications that was published today includes 66 geographic names such as .berlin or .london as well as 116 applications for internationalized domain names in special character sets. Almost half of the applications come from the US, and one third is from European applicants.

3 June 2013

60 Governance Councils Now Exist for New Top-Level Domains

The .Rugby Governance Council launched today, becoming the 60th Governance Council for new top-level domains (nTLDs). Governance Councils, comprised of thought-leaders and community advocates, exist to establish guidelines and best practices regarding the use of a specific gTLD. Famous Four’s Dot Rugby Limited, which created the .Rugby Governance Council, will incorporate the recommendations of rugby stakeholders from around the world to ensure that the .Rugby gTLD is operated within the standards and expectations of rugby enthusiasts everywhere.

31 May 2013

Over 500 applications for new Top Level Domains have passed ICANN's initial evaluation

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has published an updated list of applicants for new top level domains that have passed the initial evaluation phase. 514 applications have received ICANN's approval after reviewing both the technical aspects of the proposed TLDs as well as operational and financial capabilities of the applicants. Besides many internationalized domain names (IDNs) the list contains domains such as .lifestyle, .play, .blog, .nyc, and .berlin.

31 May 2013

Private Auctions for nTLDs Begin

The first private auction for the nTLDs will be held by Innovative Auctions on June 3, 2013. According to the terms set forth by the auction, if a single applicant decides they want the auction to be private then competitors will also be contractually bound. Participating companies do not have to announce their involvement in the auction. If the parties in a competing application do not come to a resolution then they will face an ICANN managed auction at a later date. Due to the possibility of a later auction, it is unlikely for winning bids to be announced after private auctions.

19 March 2013

Private Auctions for nTLDs Could Be Illegal, According to US Department of Justice

Many organizations that have applied for a new top level domain are in competition with others for the same domain. This results in a long evaluation process with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). To get around this process, some businesses have considered holding private auctions among the competing organizations, where all parties but the highest bidder will withdraw their application. After review by the DoJ, it was determined that this could be seen as “bid rigging,” which is an illegal practice. Instead, any auctions would have to be held publicly through ICANN.

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